Plans to expand Huntley forecourt into bigger shop and post office

There are plans to expand a popular garage on the A40 in the Forest of Dean.

Family firm Gardner Garages wants to extend the Texaco petrol station and Londis store in Huntley to create a bigger shop and post office.

The proposals, which include the demolition of a vacant bungalow, would lead to more storage and office space.

It will also allow for the creation of a jet wash area and more parking spaces.

Philip Staddon, a consultant working on behalf of the applicant, said the proposals are for a simple and straightforward minor development.

He said the scheme is in line with planning policies and will lead to an enhancement of local facilities and an improved and more efficient use of the site.

“The proposal seeks to update and extend the petrol filling station facilities to better serve the motorist and the local community which relies on the store as its village shop,” he said in the plan’s design and access statement.

“It is proposed to demolish the poor-quality bungalow, which has been in the applicants’ ownership for many years, to enable the shop to be extended and the external areas expanded and new facilities added.”

The extension would be to the east side of the existing building.

And the extra four parking bays would be laid out to the east of the extension with an enclosed jet wash area to the rear.

“The design would be of a simple but neat single storey flat roofed form. It would be 123 square metres in area and, internally, would expand the sales area, allow for a small post office area, and provide some backroom office space.

“The design, whilst simple and functional in its form, is considered appropriate in this commercial setting and its intended use.

“It will be subservient to the host building and will enhance the appearance of the streetscene.”

Forest of Dean District Council planners are expected to consider the scheme by August 9.